Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) All College staff, students and parents/carers

Transcription

1 Policy Name: Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) Policy Number/Version No: Effective Date: July 2012 Review Date: July 2016 Policy Responsibility: Approved By: For Action By: For Information to: Head of Student Services College Management Team All staff and students All College staff, students and parents/carers Version Control: Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) July 2015 Page 1 of 10

2 1. The Policy 1.1 Introduction We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our students so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC). If bullying does occur, all students should be able to tell and know incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We want to be a College which does not keep secrets. This means that anyone who knows bullying is happening is expected to tell staff. 1.2 Bullying is a type of abuse which can take many forms and this is acknowledged in our Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Procedures which considers the wider issues around abuse and the safeguarding of our students. This Anti-Bullying Policy (hereafter the policy) should be read in conjunction with the Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy which can be found on the College intranet (Moodle). 1.3 This policy and the accompanying guidelines and procedures have been written with feedback from students having been taken into consideration. We asked students for their feelings regarding bullying and how the College should deal with such cases. 2. Objectives of this Policy 2.1 The objectives of this policy are to ensure that: All governors, staff, students and parents have an understanding of what bullying is. All governors and staff are aware of the Richmond upon Thames College Antibullying Policy, and follow it when bullying is reported. All students and parents are aware of the Richmond upon Thames College Antibullying Policy, and know what to do if an issue of bullying arises. 2.2 The policy will demonstrate that RuTC takes bullying seriously, and students and parents should be assured they will be supported when bullying is reported. 3. Definition of Bullying Bullying will not be tolerated. Bullying is behaviour, usually repeated over time that intentionally hurts another individual or person, physically or emotionally. One person or a group can bully others. (Safe from Bullying in Further Education Colleges, DCSF 2009) NB. It is important to note that behaviour that one person may not consider to be bullying may be experienced as such by another individual. It is the perception of the behaviour. People may be bullied because of: appearance race or religion gender identity Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) July 2015 Page 2 of 10

3 transgender identity sexuality ability/disability economic background hobbies and interests age any perceived difference Bullying can be: Emotional ignoring excluding tormenting staring taunting insensitive jokes or pranks damaging property belonging to another person demanding or borrowing money or property Indirect spreading rumours, gossip, ignoring others, disclosing another s secrets to a third party Physical pushing kicking prodding hitting punching any other use of physical contact Sexual unwanted physical contact inappropriate sexual comments Discriminatory bullying behaviour because of, or focusing on, diversity issues such as identity, race, sexuality, disability, age, gender, religion. This may include inappropriate language or taunts, gestures, graffiti etc. Verbal name-calling sarcasm spreading rumours making derogatory remarks intrusive questioning or goading Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) July 2015 Page 3 of 10

4 Cyber all areas of internet such as social networking (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), and internet chat room misuse threats via social networking, text messaging misuse of associated technology, e.g. camera and video facilities 4. Allegations of Bullying 4.1 All allegations of bullying will be taken seriously by the College When a student, parent or member of staff reports a case of bullying to an appropriate person (e.g. Personal Tutor, Line Manager, Safeguarding Team) he/she must deal with the matter as quickly as possible in accordance with the College procedures. (See Appendix 1 for details of the appropriate procedure.) All reported incidences of bullying will be fully investigated and the victim will be consulted about how the matter will be dealt with In dealing with a case of bullying, the full range of disciplinary procedures may (and are likely) to be used and the Police may need to be contacted where cases involve assault, cyber-bullying and bullying outside the jurisdiction of the College The College will attempt a variety of procedures to ensure the matter is resolved and the student who has been bullied feels confident the matter has been dealt with appropriately Each case will be monitored and support will be offered to the victims of bullying. Attempts will be made to support the bully/bullies to change their behaviour, including understanding the affect their behaviours have on others. 4.2 Allegations against members of staff or volunteers (from students) RuTC will follow procedures in line with the Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Procedures if an allegation is made against a member of staff. The Director of Human Resources will be the first point of contact and will consider cases carefully. Allegations against the Principal or members of the Governing body will be referred to the Clerk to the Governors who will notify the Chair of Governors, the nominated Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding or other appropriate person. 4.3 Students with Learning Difficulties, and/or Disabilities (LLDD) Some students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities may be especially vulnerable to bullying. Any indication of bullying of these students must be reported in the same way as for other students. Where appropriate, the Supported Learning team will be involved Where bullying is suspected, students and vulnerable adults who have difficulties in communicating will be given the chance to express themselves to a member of staff with appropriate communication and/or be provided with an advocate. Designated Tutors will work with the Supported Learning Curriculum Manager to identify students with learning Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) July 2015 Page 4 of 10

5 difficulties and/or disabilities, and their needs. RuTC aims to create an atmosphere in which students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities feel confident and able to discuss these matters. 5. Increasing awareness of anti-bullying 5.1 All staff, students and Governors need to be aware of the Anti-bullying Policy, what constitutes bullying, how it should be prevented, reported and dealt with. 5.2 Richmond upon Thames College will endeavour to address these requirements through: Appropriate information and training for staff and Governors Information for students to increase their awareness and understanding of the inappropriateness of bullying through: - Information during the Induction period - Tutorial sessions throughout the academic year - Contact information on student ID card - Advice and information through the plasma screens/posters/leaflets - Advice available on Moodle for students and staff - Support and advice from the Student Union - Topic-specific events across College e.g. Anti-bullying Week, Safer Internet Day etc. - Dedicated address for students and staff to communicate with Student Support in order to raise concerns and seek advice Reinforcing the need for students to understand their rights and responsibilities under the Student Responsibilities Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) July 2015 Page 5 of 10

6 Appendix 1 Richmond upon Thames College Anti-Bullying Policy Guidelines and Procedures Section 1: Why is it important to respond to bullying? Bullying hurts and can have a life-long negative impact. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim. It can undermine confidence and self-esteem, and destroy their sense of security. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Students who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. What is bullying? Bullying is behaviour which has the intention of hurting or humiliating another person. Bullying can be: Emotional ignoring excluding tormenting staring taunting insensitive jokes or pranks damaging property belonging to another person demanding or borrowing money or property Indirect spreading rumours, gossip, ignoring others, disclosing another s secrets to a third party Physical pushing kicking prodding hitting punching any other use of physical contact Sexual unwanted physical contact inappropriate sexual comments Discriminatory Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) July 2015 Page 6 of 10

7 Verbal Cyber bullying behaviour because of, or focusing on, diversity issues such as identity, race, sexuality, disability, age, gender, religion. This may include inappropriate language or taunts, gestures, graffiti etc. name-calling sarcasm spreading rumours making derogatory remarks intrusive questioning or goading all areas of internet such as social networking (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), and internet chat room misuse threats via social networking, text messaging misuse of associated technology, e.g. camera and video facilities Signs and Symptoms A student may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a student is: not wanting to go to College or travel on by their usual mode of transport changing usual routines becoming anxious, withdrawn or exhibiting slight paranoia attempting or threatening suicide crying without any obvious cause feeling ill/feigning illness work deteriorating at College possessions going missing becoming aggressive or unreasonable bullying other students or siblings displaying increasing lack of confidence and self-esteem asking for, or stealing, money having unexplained cuts or bruises being excluded from group activities by other students These signs and behaviours may indicate other problems, however bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated. Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) July 2015 Page 7 of 10

8 Section 2 Procedures Any student or parent who reports a case of bullying to a member of staff at Richmond upon Thames College should feel confident that the case will be dealt with promptly, sensitively and appropriately. If a student or parent reports a case of bullying to you, you must: Stay calm and reassure the student/parent that the matter will be dealt with as quickly and sensitively as possible, but do not guarantee confidentiality as this information must be shared in order to be dealt with effectively. Talk to the student/parent and find out what has happened keep notes of this conversation (please explain to the student/parent why you need to do this and assure them this information will be shared on an essential need to know basis only) Try to find out when (dates/times), where (places) and who (names of the bully/bullies). Students/parents are not always keen to give this information as they are concerned about repercussions if the bully/bullies find(s) out. Please reassure them we cannot deal with specific cases of bullying if we do not have this information and it must be stopped. If students/parents are unwilling to share the information required, make notes of the alleged incident on Staff Portal highlighting that full information has not been disclosed. If it is of a sensitive nature liaise with the Personal Tutor who can add comments to Confidential Comments section. Deal with the situation if it is straightforward and you feel you are able e.g. name-calling in a classroom/group activity situation. If you feel that it is a more complex case which is outside your area of expertise and/or involves students outside your area, refer the case on to the Personal Tutor of the student(s) involved, your Line Manager or the Day Duty Officer. They can investigate the situation and invoke Safeguarding or Disciplinary proceedings in conjunction with the Safeguarding Team. (Please refer to the Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and procedures and the Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedures) Make notes of the incident on Staff Portal. If it is of a sensitive nature liaise with the Personal Tutor who can add comments to Confidential Comments section. Do not refer to the other parties concerned by name when making notes on Staff Portal refer to them as another student. It is important that the College records all details of the incident both for the victim and the bully/bullies, therefore make a note on both the victim and bully/bullies Portal page. If you are a Personal Tutor or Manager The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly. You must: Collect all details from the member of staff who has reported the case to you. Discuss fully how the case will be dealt with; seeking advice from your Line Manager, the Head of Student Services, or a member of the Safeguarding Team. In every case the incident should be logged with the Safeguarding Team so events and students can be monitored and supported. The College is required to log all incidents of bullying. Together with the Safeguarding Team, support the student to contact/consult with the Police if necessary and appropriate, e.g. where serious assault or serious cyberbullying may have occurred or cases which occurred outside the College s jurisdiction. Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) July 2015 Page 8 of 10

9 It may be necessary to inform parents about serious cases of bullying and ask them to attend a meeting to discuss the issue. Parents may be unaware of the bullying and the student may need their support. The Assistant Principal or Head of Student Services should lead on this with assistance from the Safeguarding Team and the Security Manager. (However, it is important to make sure that the student who is being bullied wants this to happen) Attempt to help the bully/bullies change their behaviour. This may involve referral to a College Counsellor for support. Outcomes Part of the discussion with the student being bullied should involve asking him/her What would you like the outcome to be? A number of different alternatives can be discussed: The student who has been bullied may ask to meet with the bully to tell him/her how they feel about the behaviour. The bully/bullies may be asked to genuinely apologise. Such a meeting should be well structured and supported and both parties will need appropriate preparation. In serious cases, suspension, disciplinary warning or even exclusion of the bully/bullies may be considered. Disciplinary action may take place in addition to any apology which has been issued. If possible, the students should be reconciled after the incident has been investigated and dealt with, however, it is important to remember that a restorative approach or reconciliation is not always possible and should not be advocated if inappropriate. Each case will be monitored to ensure repeated bullying does not take place. Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) July 2015 Page 9 of 10

10 Further information, advice and support: Anti-bullying Alliance Beat Bullying ChildLine NSPCC Cyberbullying Childnet Child Exploitation Online Protection Centre Staff who can help: Dave Henfrey Security Manager Ext 463 Rebecca Courtaux Head of Student Services Ext 151/ Room 2C6a Anne Timothy Supported Learning Ext 230/ Room E23 Curriculum Manager Mark Newman Tutor Team Leader Ext 269/ Room C8 Rachel Bell Tutor Team Leader Ext 203/ Room C8 Luke Higley Tutor Team Leader Ext 488/ Room G6a Bridget Jones Student Advisor Ext 311/ Room D10 Students can also seek advice and support via the Student Support Anti-Bullying Policy (Students) July Page 10 of